Caroline Gautherot (SKEMA 1992), mentor and coach: "I focus on career transitions and change management"

Caroline, you founded Visium, a consulting and coaching firm. Can you tell us more about your approach and what you offer?

Visium was born from my desire to combine my expertise in project management with my professional coaching skills, driven by the belief that human capital is key to any organisation’s success. My aim is to provide tailored, rapid solutions to challenges faced by professionals. For instance, I recently supported an entire team in a pharmaceutical company undergoing a significant role transition, which was an incredible experience. I’ve also coached a consultant reassessing his career trajectory and a marketing director struggling to provide constructive feedback to a team member. These are just a few examples. I work with professionals from all nationalities, offering coaching sessions in English.

You place a strong emphasis on the human factor in your work. Why do you see it as so crucial?

The human factor is often sidelined in business strategies, yet it is vital for achieving sustainable success. Throughout my career, I’ve seen this consistently, even—and especially—in technical environments. According to a 2023 McKinsey study, organisations capable of transforming human capital into a competitive advantage are 3.6 times more likely to become global leaders and report significantly lower voluntary turnover rates. In France, however, only 2% of large companies fall into this category, which highlights a significant gap.

You also work with students and recent graduates. What does that involve?

I help students and young graduates prepare for oral presentations and job interviews, which can often be intimidating for them. My role is to help them build confidence and learn how to present themselves authentically. I use a highly effective approach that I discovered several years ago. I’ve worked with students and graduates from SKEMA, as well as from other institutions like ESSEC, INSA, and AgroParisTech.

You’ve mentioned “speed coaching” as one of your methods. Could you explain this concept?

Speed coaching is a solution I developed for time-pressed professionals seeking quick answers. The idea is to focus on a specific goal and arrive at a solution in less than an hour. This might involve tackling a professional challenge, addressing a managerial issue, or preparing for an interview. It’s a highly efficient method that delivers tangible results swiftly, without compromising on quality.

What are the main challenges your clients face, and how do you help them overcome these?

A coach is a partner who identifies, clarifies, and helps clients achieve their objectives. My clients often face challenges related to career transitions, change management, team performance, leadership development, or overcoming professional obstacles. As a consultant and coach, I equip them with tools to think differently and find solutions that work for them. I help them identify and leverage their resources to take action. I also use the DISC behavioural analysis tool, which categorises personalities into four colours, to enhance self-awareness and communication for optimised performance. The effectiveness of coaching is well-documented: a 2020 PriceWaterhouseCoopers survey reported an average ROI of seven times the cost of hiring a coach.

Finally, what advice would you give to young SKEMA graduates starting their careers?

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and support as early as possible. Whether you’re clarifying your career path, preparing for an interview, or tackling a managerial challenge, coaching or mentoring can be incredibly valuable. Stay curious, embrace new perspectives, and remember that the human factor—both within your team and within yourself—is your greatest asset.

Caroline Gautherot LinkedIn's profile

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